Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master Portuguese in Kelowna and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using special programs, you have several main possibilities for learning Portuguese interactively in Kelowna. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, check centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are less pricey.) Your other spource can be local commercial language academies that charge less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. 4th and last, you can choose a private Portuguese tutor in Kelowna. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Kelowna and online Portuguese tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable to learn Portuguese and what do Portuguese tutors charge?
For university and college courses you can estimate Portuguese course cost by dividing annual tuition by ten (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the overall charge for 45-48 course hours each semester. Language schools and individual Portuguese tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the better priced Portuguese tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 17 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, availability and languages the tutor can teach in. Average reviews for Portuguese lessons on Preply is 4.97 out of 5 stars.
📚 What are the requirements for Portuguese language skill level to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared to show a language test profeciency score or take an entrance test to determine your level. Predetermined curriculum classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework commitment and graded tasks, so research each program in advance. With personal Portuguese tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other specializations they make available (like classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Portuguese so challenging and are there ways to learn it faster?
One-size-fits-all language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Portuguese. In reality, you can gain basic Portuguese fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback a few hours a week you will be able to understand most words, express yourself, shop and place orders in about a year. Relocating is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready and fun way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Portuguese. After acquiring basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Portuguese tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced speakers.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of Portuguese?
Some people seem to have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Portuguese will require at least 600 hours of active use. The amount of time can differ by a lot depending on your available level of Portuguese or knowledge of other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is a good idea to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try as many as possible ways to think and speak in Portuguese out loud. If this is not easy you can also take conversational Portuguese classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own Portuguese tutor?
In language learning academies, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, of course! The largest selection of tested Portuguese tutors with detailed profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges usually schedule classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools have shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, you can take as few as one lesson a year, as many as several a day - and as many (or as few) as you want during any time of day, on weekdays and/or weekends.